Do you guys like hiking? I always surprise people when I tell them how much I love hiking and camping. Like, for really real camping. In tents. Sleeping on the ground. Building campfires and cooking over them, hiking, reading, swimming, and nature watching for entertainment, not iPhone apps and handheld video games. You know…camping.

I used to wonder why it was so odd to people that I might enjoy camping so much, but I think I figured it out. Apparently girly girls (like me) aren’t supposed to like roughing it in the woods for a few days. Yes, I’m girly. I won’t lie to you about it, but I’m pretty sure that the pink striped banner, the fluffy, flowery, cartoon goodies, little pink birdies perched around here, and the ruffly cartoon version of myself pretty much gave that away. Not to mention the fact that I tell you and show you so. It’s not exactly a secret or a surprise. But that doesn’t mean I’m relegated to the role of a high maintenance, fussy haired, dolled up priss. I love camping more and more every year…and I still get to be girly, cause you know why? They make the CUTEST camping and hiking gear for women now!